Barbara Watts Buchheit

Barbara Joan Watts Buchheit, 86 years old, peacefully passed away on May 5, 2025

surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Francis

Aloysius Buchheit, Sr. (Frank), her parents, Hazel Millen Watts and Roderick Watts, her

brother, Charles Roderick Watts and a grandson, James Robert Bartholomew.

Barbara was a lifelong resident of her beloved Savannah, born in the Telfair Hospital for

Women and Children. She was proud of being a ‘Telfair baby,’ a unique distinction for

Savannahians. Another source of pride was her ancestry, tracing back to the time of

Georgia colonization and growing up as a member of Christ Church on Johnson

Square. She often shared with her children precious memories of growing up within

what is now the Historic District. But most of all, Barbara was proud of the family she

and Frank created and adored her children and grandchildren.

A graduate of Savannah High School and Armstrong Junior College, Barbara would

often reminisce about Frank meeting her at Armstrong, waiting at her classroom door to

escort her to her next lesson. Barbara’s love for Frank was solidified when he invited

her out on his boat. She often said that ‘sealed the deal!’ Throughout their marriage,

boating was an integral part of the Buchheit culture almost every weekend.

Barbara chose to join the Roman Catholic faith before marriage, and as a convert, was

the driving force in ensuring that faith tradition for her new family. She and Frank were

married at Sacred Heart Church in Savannah on June 18, 1960. In 1962 Barabara and Frank joined St. James Church for 

the duration of their life.

Barbara’s legacy lives on through her children, Jenny Elizabeth Buchheit Bartholomew

(Bob), Joan Buchheit Altmeyer, Melissa Ann Buchheit, Melanie Francis Buchheit Racine

(Jim), and Francis Aloysious Buchheit (Al), Jr. (Jeanette). Her grandchildren are Jillian

Lane Altmeyer, Sister Elizabeth Anne Bartholomew, IHM, Meagan Marie Bartholomew,

Matthew Buchheit Bartholomew (Denali), Earl Jefferson Racine, IV (Jeff), and Francis

Aloysius Buchheit, III (Frankie), along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wants to acknowledge the wonderful staff at Candler Hospital and the

compassionate care that was extended to her during her final days, along with the

clergy and pastoral staff that visited her, making sure that her faith was always a part of

her time on earth. They also want to recognize the care and concern that was extended

to her by her neighbors and friends during the years after Frank’s passing. Barbara’s

family will be eternally grateful for all of your kindness.

Rosary and visitation will be held at Gamble Funeral Home, Stephenson Avenue,

Savannah on Friday, May 9th  , 2025 beginning at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will

be held on Saturday, May 10th at 1:00 pm at the Chapel of the Catholic Pastoral Center

at St. Mary’s Home in Savannah. A private internment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the scholarship funds of St. James School,

St. Vincent's Academy, or Benedictine Military School. Barbara placed a high value on

Catholic education and always hoped that education would be made available for any in need.